Dry Eye FAQs

It is very rare for dry eyes to be the cause of blindness. Chronic, long term dry eyes can affect the health of the cornea and cause corneal conditions such as band keratitis, recurrent infections and other sight-threatening conditions. Well managed dry eyes are rarely at risk for blindness due to the dryness.

Styes and dry eyes are related, people that suffer from meibomian gland dysfunction where the oils (meibum) gets trapped in the gland and doesn’t drain at a normal rate are more prone to styes. Demodex blepharitis is another eye condition that can cause dry eyes and styes.

Patients who have recurrent styes may also experience damage to their meibomian glands that can lead to severe dryness. Dry eye therapy such as lid wipes, lid sprays, supplements such as omega-3 and other anti-inflammatory supplements helps the function of the meibomian glands and decrease the incidence of styes.

Yes, dry eyes can cause glare and light sensitivity to screens, the sun, and headlights of other cars. Light sensitivity ,also known as photophobia, happens for a number of reasons:

• Corneal Health: The cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye, is highly sensitive and plays a crucial role in vision. Dry eyes can cause dry patches on the cornea that can cause pain as well as light sensitivity.

• Tear Film Stability: A healthy tear film is essential for maintaining ocular comfort and protecting the cornea. In dry eye syndrome, the tear film becomes unstable and contains more debris. The debris cause the lights to refract and bounce in every direction.

No, there are two classes of dry eye drops: Artificial tears and medicated drops.

Yes, dry eye drops, commonly known as artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, are generally considered safe for most people. They are designed to alleviate symptoms of dry eyes by providing moisture, lubrication, and relief from irritation. However, there are important factors to consider regarding their safety and proper use:

Types of Dry Eye Drops

• Preservative-Free Drops:

  • Many over-the-counter artificial tears come in preservative-free formulations. These are often recommended for people who need to use eye drops frequently throughout the day, as they reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions associated with preservatives.

• Preserved Drops: ​​​​​​​

  • Some artificial tears contain preservatives, which help to extend the shelf life of the product. While these drops are safe for occasional use, they may cause irritation if used more frequently.

  • Some people are sensitive or even allergic to certain preservatives. PF (preservative-free) artificial tears are a better choice than preserved drops.

  • ​​​​​​​Preserved drops shouldn’t be used with contact lenses.

• Medicated Drops:

  • In some cases, your optometrist may prescribe medicated drops that contain anti-inflammatory agents or other active ingredients to address underlying conditions contributing to dry eyes. These should be used as directed by a healthcare provider.

  • Steroid drops are used short term in cases of severe dry eyes. They shouldn’t be used long-term as they can increase the pressure inside of the eyes over time.

  • o Non-steroid anti inflammatory drops can be used long term.

  • Medicated dry eye drops such as cyclosporins or LFA-1 antagonist decrease inflammation and are typically prescribed for dry eyes. They’re generally considered safe.

Safety Considerations
Consult with your optometrist before using over the counter drops.

1. Avoid using drops for (red eyes) as they have a rebound effect. They can cause increased redness when discontinued.

2. Artificial tears shouldn’t burn, hurt, sting, or make your symptoms worse. If you experience any of those symptoms while using artificial tears, consult with your optometrist immediately. They might blur the vision temporarily, specially gel drops and ointments.

3. Do not use any expired drops.

4. Do not use recalled or contaminated drops and discard them immediately

Yes, dry eye and dry mouth can be connected, particularly in certain medical conditions. Here’s an overview of how these two conditions may be related:

• Sjögren’s Syndrome:

  • This is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the exocrine glands, leading to decreased production of tears and saliva. As a result, individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome often experience both dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia). This is one of the main causes of aqueous deficiency dry eyes.

• 2. Other Autoimmune Disorders:

  • Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and systemic sclerosis can also be associated with both dry eye and dry mouth due to similar mechanisms of immune system dysregulation and inflammation affecting the glands that produce tears and saliva.

• 3. Medications:

  • Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and medications for high blood pressure ) can cause both dry eye and dry mouth. These medications can reduce secretions in both the lacrimal (tear-producing) and salivary glands.

• 4. Aging:

  • Both dry eyes and dry mouth are more prevalent in older adults. Agerelated changes in gland function, medication use, and health conditions can contribute to the development of both symptoms.

• 5. Environmental Factors:

  • o Exposure to dry environments, such as air conditioning or heating, can exacerbate both dry eye and dry mouth symptoms.

Dry eye drops, also known as artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, can provide temporary relief for some symptoms associated with pink eye (conjunctivitis), but they are not a definitive treatment for the condition itself.

Understanding Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball. There are several types of conjunctivitis, including:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis: Often caused by viruses, such as those that cause the common cold.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacterial infections.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

4. Irrant Conjunctivitis: Results from exposure to irritants, such as smoke, chemicals, or chlorine in swimming pools.

​​​​​​​Role of Dry Eye Drops in Pink Eye

• Temporary Relief:

  • Dry eye drops can help alleviate some discomfort associated with pink eye, such as dryness, irritation, and a gritty sensation. By providing lubrication, they can help soothe the eyes and make them feel more comfortable.

• Decreasing bacterial or viral load.

  • Artificial tears can flush out allergens, decrease irritants and decrease bacterial or viral load

Limitations of Dry Eye Drops for Pink Eye

• While dry eye drops can provide symptomatic relief, they do not address the underlying cause of pink eye. For example, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis may require specific treatments (e.g., antiviral medications for viral conjunctivitis or antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis)

• It is best to consult with your optometrist if you think you have pink eye that doesn’t respond to lubricating drops.

• “pink eye” can be an indication for more serious conditions such as angle closure glaucoma or retained foreign body in the eye. Consulting with your optometrist is the best option if you have pink eyes.

Yes, Generally speaking IPL for dry eyes is a safe treatment. There are general countraindicators to IPL and a few do's and don'ts before and after IPL. If we adhere to the guidelines and the treatment is performed by a licensed professional, the treatment is safe.

It is currently one of the most effective treatment options to dry eye syndrome as it targets oil and tear production, demodex, inflammation, and can overtime improve the structure and function of the meibomian gland